Tag: Crash
3 H.E.A.T. – S/T (Release Year – 2008)
Since this past summer when I started writing reviews here at HRH there has been so much good music that it became impossible to keep up with everything that was being released. Now I am going to try and catch up with some of the albums I missed. I can not think of a better band to start with than H.E.A.T. of course they are another kick ass Swedish band, but where the majority of Swedish bands are following the sleaze glam route H.E.A.T. decided to follow a different path from their counter-parts. This six man band from Stockholm decided to take a more melodic approach to their music in the vein of such bands as Europe, Giant, Unruly Child, Bangalore Choir, and Hardline. There are 13 tracks but 12 actual songs on this album and every one of them are stellar.
Vocalist Kenny Leckremo reminds me a lot of former Unruly Child vocalist Mark Free mixed with Bangalore Choir’s David Reece thrown in with his approach and delivery of the songs. His voice is powerful without being overbearing to the music, I don’t think he has even began to test the limits of his vocal range. The twin guitar attack of Dave Dalone and Eric Rivers also stand out both could stand their own ground against many players both from today and the past. Keyboardist Jona Tee probably made the best impression on me out of anyone in the band simply because he playing is outstanding and it enhances the songs instead of overpowering them which tends to happen quite a lot with melodic rock. Bassist Jimmy Jay and drummer Crash round out the band and are an extremely capable rhythm section that keep everyone else tight and in line.
After a short intro everything gets started with “There For You” which is a great song to kick off the album, as it is a prime example of what H.E.A.T. has in store for the listeners on this album. Straight up perfect arena rock anthem, a great solo from Dave Dalone, and a very solid performance from the rhythm section that will have you tapping your feet and bobbing your head as you sing along. Second track “Never Let Go” follows the same recipe with the same great results.
If H.E.A.T. are able to hit the arenas here in the States “Keep On Dreaming” will have everyone flicking their Bics and lighting up their cell phones for this outstanding anthem. “Follow Me” slows things down a bit with it nice piano entrance before it picks up at the chrous with soaring vocals both lead and background “Straight For Your Heart” is another kick ass song with a great performance from the entire band but drummer Crash really stands out with his playing. “Cry” and “Feel It Again” are two more outstanding songs “Cry” is mid tempo while “Feel It Again” is a more rocking song. “Straight Up” starts out with a slow burning bluesy groove to it before it kicks in at the chrous. “Bring The Stars” besides being my favorite song on the album is another arena ready anthem with a great performance from both Jimmy Jay and Jona Tee.
“You’re Lying” and “Feel The Heat” finish up the album on a very strong note. For any fans of the bands mentioned above this album is an absolute must have but for fans of just straight up arena ready melodic rock you can’t go wrong with purchasing this album either. I got H.E.A.T. to late for them to be included on my best of ’08 but they will definitely be on my best of ’09 list.
You can check out the band and preview their music at www.myspace.com/heatsweden or www.heatsweden.com I don’t think you will be disappointed in the least bit.
Track Listing:
1. Intro
2. There For You
3. Never Let Go
4. Late Night Lady
5. Keep On Dreaming
6. Follow Me
7. Straight For Your Heart
8. Cry
9. Feel It Again
10. Straight Up
11. Bring The Stars
12. You’re Lying
13. Feel The Heat
Heat is:
Kenny Leckremo – Vocals
Dave Dalone – Guitars
Eric Rivers – Guitars
Jona Tee – Keyboards
Jimmy Jay – Bass
Crash – Drums